Wild Babies

Swifts and Swallows

Safe Handling

Bird feathers are very delicate and the natural oils on humans hands can strip them of their weatherproofing. Avoid handling and wear gloves.

Nestlings leave the nest fully flighted and do not spend time on the ground like other songbirds. All 4 toes face forward to cling to vertical surfaces. It is difficult for them to take flight from the ground. If worried about a swift or swallow place it feet first against a tree and watch to make sure they are able to take flight.

Resources

Migratory Birds Convention Act

What you are witnessing may be perfectly normal behaviour. Look For:

Weakness or unconsciousness
Vomiting or diarrhea
Discharge from the ears, eyes or nose
Large patches of missing/damaged feathers, fur or shell

Foreign objects stuck to or wrapped around the body
A deceased parent or siblings nearby
Bleeding
Open wounds
Fly eggs or maggots

Cat attack - even without visible or obvious wounds
Broken, injured or missing limbs – hindered movement
Non-stop shivering or crying

If you see any of these signs, the animal needs immediate help

As a volunteer powered charitable organization, we do not have the means or resources for pick ups or field rescues. We must rely on finders bringing animals in need of care to our facility.

Please do not bring animals to the centre without first confirming an intake time with a wildlife volunteer.

Wildlife Capture Guide

Temporary Care

Wild Babies

Swifts and Swallows

Safe Handling

Resources

What you are witnessing may be perfectly normal behaviour. Look For:

Weakness or unconsciousness

Vomiting or diarrhea

Discharge from the ears, eyes or nose

Large patches of missing/damaged feathers, fur or shell

Foreign objects stuck to or wrapped around the body

A deceased parent or siblings nearby

Bleeding

Open wounds

Fly eggs or maggots

Cat attack - even without visible or obvious wounds

Broken, injured or missing limbs – hindered movement

Non-stop shivering or crying

If you see any of these signs, the animal needs immediate help

As a volunteer powered charitable organization, we do not have the means or resources for pick ups or field rescues. We must rely on finders bringing animals in need of care to our facility. Please do not bring animals to the centre without first confirming an intake time with a wildlife volunteer.